Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

18.10.2024

Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)

 Why in the news?   

The Centre's air pollution control panel for Delhi-NCR recently directed state governments in the region to implement the first stage of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

• It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.
• It was introduced as an emergency response mechanism, and its implementation is triggered when the Air Quality Index (AQI) reaches "poor" levels.
• It is particularly important during the winter months when air quality tends to plummet.

Who implements GRAP?

○The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) in NCR and adjoining areas oversees the implementation of GRAP.

○It collaborates with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

○The CAQM has constituted a sub-committee for the operationalization of the GRAP.

○This body includes officials from the CAQM, member secretaries of pollution control boards of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, the Central Pollution Control Board, a scientist from the IMD, one from the IITM, and a Health Advisor.

○The sub-committee is required to meet frequently to issue orders to invoke the GRAP.

○The orders and directions of the CAQM will prevail in case of any conflict between directions issued by the State governments and the CAQM.

• Different stages of GRAP: GRAP consists of four stages, each with targeted actions to be taken by the necessary authorities and agencies. These are the following:

○Stage I: "Poor" air quality (Delhi AQI: 201-300)

○Stage II: "Very Poor" air quality (Delhi AQI: 301-400)

○Stage III: "Severe" air quality (Delhi AQI: 401-450)

○Stage IV: "Severe+" air quality (Delhi AQI > 450)

What is the Air Quality Index (AQI)

•  It is issued by government agencies to gauge air pollution levels and communicate risks to the public.
• It indicates how air pollution can affect health, with higher AQI values indicating more severe health concerns.
• The AQI is calculated based on air pollutant concentrations over a specific period, and the results are categorized into ranges with corresponding health advisories.
• According to the AQI scale, the air quality check between 0 and 50 is "Good", 51 and 100 "Satisfactory", 101 and 200 "Moderate", 201 and 300 "Poor", 301 and 400 "Very Poor", 401 and 450 "Severe" and over 450 as "Severe +".

                                                                Source: NDTV

Consider the following statements regarding the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

1)It is a framework designed to combat air pollution in the Delhi-NCR region.

2)It was introduced as an emergency response mechanism.

3)It is particularly important during the summer months when air quality tends to plummet.

How many of the above statements are correct?

A.Only one

B.Only two

C.All three

D.None

Answer B